Wimbledon Adopts Video Replay Technology for the First Time.
The tournament joins the American and Aussie Opens in employing replay systems.
Video review technology will make its debut at Wimbledon for the 2025 edition.
Athletes are granted the right to contest particular calls from the chair umpire, echoing the system currently in use at both the US Open and the Aussie major.
The new system will be operational on Centre Court and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the remaining featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This step arrives only a year after the AELTC implemented electronic line calling, which effectively ended the longstanding role of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to dispute the call of the electronic line calling, but they can ask for the umpire to review other situations, such as:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball made contact with an rival's racket or person during play.
- Possible hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Importantly, there is an unlimited number on the amount of challenges a player can initiate.
A Recent Example
An illustrative incident took place in a recent tournament last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
Draper admitted it was a tough situation for the umpire, but believed his opponent had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a replay and determined the player was responsible for hindrance, granting the point to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology are not new for Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the American major for two years and the Australian Open since 2025.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the men's ATP Tour will have the system implemented at every one of its events.
Further Updates
Another innovation at Wimbledon 2025 will be the introduction of visual indicators on scoreboards to complement the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This solves situations where spectators have occasionally been unsure if a shot was out or in.
In other news, with exactly a century of days remaining until the start of the Championships, organizers have further announced an increase in daily attendance at the qualifiers in the qualifying venue.